Pass High Tennis Serves Up Success with First Annual Pickleball Tournament
Jackson Byars and Adam Keel first place gendered mix beginners, Maddy Vo and Emma Peterson 3rd place gendered mix beginners.
Pass Christian High School Tennis hosted its 1st Annual Pickleball Tournament, bringing together students, families, and members of the local pickleball community for a full day of friendly competition and fundraising.
The event was the brainchild of PCHS Tennis Coach and event organizer Samantha Pierce, who first envisioned the tournament last year. With the help of Bobby Vo, a friend and family member of the Pass High tennis team who organized the brackets and helped run matches throughout the day, Pierce’s idea finally came to life in a big way.
The inaugural tournament welcomed over 40 teams who signed up to compete in a variety of brackets throughout the day. The morning began with gendered doubles, where Pass High students proudly represented their school. Jackson Byars and Adam Keel earned gold in the Beginner Boys Doubles, while Maddy Vo and Emma Peterson took home bronze in the Beginner Girls Doubles.
“I’m so proud of them for putting themselves out there, trying something new, and handling themselves well while meeting so many new people,” said Coach Pierce.
The afternoon competition featured mixed doubles, where the Pirate spirit continued to shine. Maddy Vo and Emma Peterson teamed up with their fathers to compete in the Beginner Mixed Doubles division, where both teams earned medals for their efforts.
Sisters and Pass High students Adalynn and Olivia Snell play in the beginners mixed bracket. Adalyn also played intermediate mixed doubles with her uncle, as well, medaling 2nd in that bracket.
Several other Pass High students joined in the fun as well. Adalyn and Olivia Snell competed together in girls doubles, and later in the day Adalyn Snell teamed up with her uncle, Blake, to earn second place in the Intermediate Mixed Doubles division.
Throughout the day, the tournament was filled with energy, sportsmanship, and community spirit.
Participants and spectators alike praised the event’s thoughtful details—from the themed décor and tournament shirts to the food, medals, podium, and awards banner.
“It was just so awesome to see our Pirates spend the day with friends, family members, and new friends from the pickleball community,” Pierce said.
By the end of the long but rewarding day, the tournament had not only raised funds for the Pass High Tennis program but also created a memorable experience for everyone involved. The overwhelmingly positive response has already sparked excitement for the future.
So many participants enjoyed the event that several have already asked if the tournament could happen twice a year, and organizers are considering hosting another as early as this fall.
For those who may be hesitant to join, Coach Pierce encourages newcomers to give it a try.
“Don’t be afraid to come out and play,” she said. “Beginner divisions are welcomed and encouraged.”
If the success of the first tournament is any indication, the Pass High Pickleball Tournament may soon become a favorite tradition in the Pirate community.
